These Peanut Butter Pumpkin Chewy Granola Bars are my go to snack. Simple whole foods, no added sugar, and homemade.
I know I know. It’s far from fall and I’m making food with pumpkin in it. But if you’re anything like me, you likely have a can or two of pumpkin in the back of that pantry that’s crying to be used.
I’ve been really really into chewy granola bars lately, the homemade kind of course. And I can’t believe how easy they are to make without added sugar!! Can you hardly believe it too?
In other news.. thanks you all for the love this week on my first article featured in MyFitnessPal! I’m so excited to be partnering with them to do more nutrition content in the future, so I’ll be sure to share when my articles go live. If you missed it, 15 Simple Hacks for Eating Less Sugar.
Happy Friday… hope you all have a great weekend!!
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Peanut Butter Pumpkin Chewy Granola Bars
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
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Pin RecipeDescription
These Peanut Butter Pumpkin Chewy Granola Bars are my go to snack. Simple whole foods, no added sugar, and homemade.
Ingredients
- 3 large medjool dates, pits removed
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 extra ripe banana
- 1/2 cup 100% pure pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/4 teaspoon course crystal salt
- 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 1/2 cups “quick cooking” rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsweetened toasted coconut flakes
- 2 tablespoons whole golden flaxseed
- 1/3 cup chopped cashews
- 1/3 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F; line 8X8 inch pan with parchment paper.
- In small bowl, cover medjool dates with water; place in microwave for 30 seconds.
- Pour softened dates into bowl and smash with a fork.
- Mash in the banana and pumpkin puree to form a paste.
- Stir in peanut butter, sea salt and pumpkin pie spice.
- Stir in oats, coconut flakes and flaxseed to combine.
- Fold in cashews and chocolate chips.
- Pour mixture into pan and press down on mixture to form to pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes; allow to cool. Slice into 16 squares once cooled.
Nutrition
- Calories: 159
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
Hi I’m Kristina LaRue, RD (registered dietitian nutritionist), Peloton addict and mama to two active and hungry boys. On Love & Zest, you’ll find healthy-ish recipes that fuel the whole family. I’m all about veggie-filled breakfast, meal prep recipes, healthier sweets, and easy weeknight dinners made in the Instant Pot or sheet pan.
Did you make one of my recipes?? Leave a review in the comments and tag @loveandzest #loveandzest on Instagram!
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I love how easy these are to throw together. Bananas and dates are such a great source of natural sugar. Pinning now!
Thanks for pinning!!
If I wanted to leave out the coconut would I need to replace it with something else ? Thanks! I’m always looking for yummy snacks that are kid friendly and I think my 4 will like this.
YEP! Add 1/2 cup oats instead of coconut. Will work great!
I am so making these for next week’s snacks for school/work. They look delicious!
Great article on lowering sugar consumption too. I am actually back in school pursuing my RD certification. My first degree was psychology, then I pursued my christian yoga teacher certification (RYT, YYT). I just want to be able to help people more wholistically. I did not spell that wrong, lol. I hope to better come alongside and help the whole of a person, not just one facet of their lives – to empower people to find peace with themselves (their minds, bodies, and spirits), along with their relationships with others and food. While perfection won’t be achieve this side of Heaven, we can continue our pursuit of holy sanctification each and every moment – through each choice we make and each thought we choose to follow. Well I went off on a tangent, but that’s what happens when you follow the passions God places on your heart.
I can tell you are following your passion too, and its exciting to be a part of! Thanks for sharing it with us here. 🙂
Caitlin, I didn’t know that you were in school for your RD!! That is fantastic, and I love your background in counseling and Christian yoga… you are going to do wonderful things with helping people “wholistically” (i love that btw) because you’ll be able to come from such a unique and treasured place. I’m excited for you. Honestly, it’s tough to touch relationship with food if you don’t have a background in psychology and I personally I love it when clients I’m working with are believers and allow us to touch an even deeper level with where they are in the relationship with food.. since we know that is only a symptom/side effect of a bigger story and purpose. Thanks so much for coming over here to my little corner of the web, and sharing your heart! I always love to hear your thoughts.
Ah! Want to send me some 😉
chaa yeah! anytime sista.
These are my jam! Can’t wait to make them 🙂
🙂 Happiness.